Water board member to head L.A. public works

Castaic Lake Water Agency board member Dean F. Efstathiou has been appointed Acting Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Efstathiou, who is often the lone critical voice on water issues raised by the agency, received the unanimous endorsement of supervisors at Tuesday's regular meeting of the county Board of Supervisors.Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich made the announcement Tuesday.

"With a proven track record and 37 years of public service, Dean is a knowledgeable and capable leader, who will work effectively with our communities," Antonovich said in a statement. "In October 2007, at my request, Dean oversaw the fast-tracked reconstruction of the Vasquez Canyon Bridge - a major thoroughfare in the Santa Clarita Valley destroyed by the Buckweed Fire. As a result of his leadership and the hard work of our county work crews, the bridge reopened two days ahead of schedule and helped prevent the disruption of day-to-day activities for the thousands of residents who rely on the bridge."

Efstathiou, a resident of Pasadena, replaces outgoing Public Works Director Donald L. Wolfe, who retired last month.

As Acting Director of Public Works, Efstathiou also wears the hats of Acting Road Commissioner, Acting County Surveyor and Acting Chief Engineer of the Flood Control District.

"That's a prestigious position," said Dan Masnada, general manager of the Castaic Lake Water Agency. "We're lucky to have him on the board representing the county."

With water agency meetings scheduled for three nights this week, including a general meeting Wednesday, Efstathiou's schedule is a tireless one. His term as an agency board member expires in 2011.

Those attending tonight's meeting are expected to hear reports from Masnada, as well as a president's report and director's report.